Inpatient coding requires DRG system understanding

Inpatient coding is based on DRG codes that are used for final reimbursement. As in outpatient coding reimbursement is based on CPT and E/M codes, in inpatient coding a single DRG value is generated using all the diagnostic and procedure codes and this is done by a software called a grouper. The inpatient coder is responsible for giving correct primary and secondary diagnosis and also correct procedure codes and then the DRG is generated by the grouper. In inpatient coding CPT codes are not used instead ICD procedure codes are used to describe the procedures

In, Inpatient coding there are several guidelines needs to be followed. The coders must locate both the Alphabetic Index and the Tabular List. The coders must assign codes based on the  highest level of specificity.Other (NEC) and Unspecified (NOS) Code Titles are used when there is no adequate information for assigning a code.

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